Packing Tips

I am writing this at 8:15 Thursday morning sitting in not my kitchen, listening to some country music with a whole gross pile of stuff around me. I just spent the week petsitting (no, I didn’t just break into a house) and didn’t prepare as much as I should have. I also have a looming Florida trip for my cousin’s wedding (yay, finally!) and I’m starting to feel overwhelmed for that too. I’m mostly packed already (because I’m crazy), but I know the rest of my family won’t pack until the night before.

Are you getting ready to go on a trip? Maybe just an overnight or maybe an entire week (lucky you). Here’s some trip planning and packing tips:

• Make a packing list. It’s so easy and you’ll be able to see everything you need, everything you’ve packed, and everything you need to bring home with you. Not sure what you should pack or are you blanking on things you think you should be packing? Click HERE for a downloadable and printable link to my packing list for 2.
• Pack in advance! Yes, I’m yelling at you. Why would you wait for the last minute? Traveling on it’s own is stressful, let alone packing the night before or the day of (Dad!!). Print out my packing list up there. You’ll have everything you need at your fingertips and it’ll take a lot of time off packing. I literally set it up for you so all you have to do is put everything in your luggage. Don’t be lazy. Go! Do it!

• Get yourself some little bags. Makeup bags, pencil cases, whatever it may be. Just little things to keep stuff in to keep you organized. I’m not exaggerating when I say I have a bag of bags in my purse right now. I have a large cosmetic bag filled with smaller bags filled with pencils, tissues, a little garbage bag so it doesn’t accumulate on the bottom of my bag. They’re just fun and cute! For my petsitting vacation (because it certainly felt like one), I brought 3 different bags. Not only are the super cute, but they’re super practical too. One had makeup, one had beauty products, and the other had an overflow of the two. It kept my stay neat and organized. Looking for one? Check out Etsy…almost everything there is handmade, done so in fantastic quality, is customizable, and made with love. Shop small!
• Treat yourself to nice weekender bag. Girls, I love Vera Bradley bags. I think they’re fun, cute, and the perfect size (I have this one). Boys, you can go anywhere since you’re probably not particular. TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Target (1, 2, 3, 4) will probably do just fine for you.

• Pack with other people. Splurge on a super nice luggage or baggage for you and your friends. Split the cost a couple ways and take turns when y’all need it. It can be like the Sisterhood of the Traveling Traveler. Catchy, huh? I came up with it myself 😉 Or if y’all are going together, consolidate what you’re bringing and pack together. If you’re flying, you’ll probably pay less, plus you won’t have to lug 20 gigantic bags around a the maze of an airport.
• So at this point, you’re probably wondering how you’re going to pack in advance if you’re planning on bringing your makeup and other beauty products. Back track to point number 3: little bags. Yes, they’re convenient for packing purposes, but they’re also cute! Leave them out as a focal point on your desk, armoire (if you’re fancy), closet, or wherever you keep your makeup. I pretty much live out of my makeup bags anyway, so this isn’t an issue for me…and it’s easy when I want to pack because all I do is zip it closed and I’m set!

I hope you’re all set for your fantastic vacation and I hope I have eased some of the stresses that come with packing and planning. Be smart about travel, especially if flying. Don’t take what you don’t have to take and certainly don’t take all of your favorites…we all now airports are notorious for “losing” luggage. Happy travels!